The Misadventures of Mr. Magician (2)

It so happened in my dream that Mr. Magician began to work carefully and precisely, harder than he ever worked before. He began to lay stones to build a wondrously ornate wall with columns to mark the entrance. He covered the beautiful metal gate with gold and then used a magic spell to cause vines and shrubs to grow about it and within it. Nothing looked so magnificent throughout the City of Destruction. When he finished his work, he stepped back and looked at it with a sigh from the relief of work and his eyes widened in awe at his creation.

Mr. Magician: Now, this probably looks more authentic than the real wicket gate, and the people do not even need to make such a perilous journey!

Mr. Simple happened to be on his way to work when he stumbled upon this creation.

Mr. Simple: What have we here good Magician?

Mr. Magician: Well, instead of making such a long journey to get to that wicket gate, I decided to bring it to you!

Mr. Simple: What does one have to do to gain access therein?

Mr. Magician: Just one magical phrase: prosueche hamartanou!

Mr. Simple: Well that is indeed quite easy, I think I will give it a try. Prosueche hamartanou!

At that instant the gate opened and Mr. Simple walked in awing at the floral displays. He made his way to the fountain which, oddly enough, was cracked at the base (Jer 2:13). The water poured out onto the stone basin watering the surrounding plants.

Mr. Simple: Good sir, how did you manage to get such a large crack on such a large stone basin?

Mr. Magician: I’m not sure at all, it wasn’t like that a few moments ago.

And with a flick of his wand, he fixed the stone crack, but only for a short time. With that, he returned to the gate to await others to come enter in and flee from the city of destruction. Just then, Mr. Skeptic walked his way.

Mr. Magician: Could I have a moment of your time?

Mr. Skeptic: No.

Mr. Magician: It will only take two minutes.

Mr. Skeptic: Well, I suppose.

Mr. Magician: See, you no longer have to make such a perilous journey to yonder wicket gate, for I have brought it here to you! All you have to say is prosueche hamartanou and the gate will open.

Mr. Magician: Here, I’ll say it for you, just squeeze my hand if you want it to be true for you! Prosueche hamartanou!

And, with a squeeze of the hand, the gate opened. Mr. Skeptic was surprised it really opened, but supposed it was just some trick.

Mr. Skeptic: Well, I’ll be on my way.

Mr. Magician: Wait! Just enter into the gate for a brief second and you’ll be free from the wrath to come.

Mr. Skeptic: That’s all?

Mr. Magician: As long as you’re sincere! The Good King promised!

So Mr. Skeptic entered briefly then went on his way. Just then, Ms. Liberal stopped by to see what the commotion was.

Ms. Liberal: All of this wasn’t necessary at all, the good king loves everyone whether they enter the gate or not.

Mr. Magician: Well, it may not be necessary, but it is fun and beautiful inside!

Ms. Liberal: I agree! How might I enter?

Mr. Magician: Just say this magical phrase: proseuche hamartanou!

Ms. Liberal: Well this is all good and exciting isn’t it! You did say you let anyone in right? Even if they openly rebel against the king and have no concern for him at all?

Mr. Magician: That’s right! The king is not concerned with rebellion, he loves everyone!

Ms. Liberal: Proseuche hamartanou!

With that the gate opened and Ms. Liberal stepped inside and met Mr. Simple.

Mr. Simple: It’s all good and nice until you’ve seen the same bush four times. But I think I’ll get some other people to come say the magic words and look around for a bit before it gets too boring.

Mr. Magician was excited and distraught at the same time. He was glad he convinced the three most difficult people of the City of Destruction to enter in the wicket gate. But he was upset about the idea of it becoming boring. Still better than that old evangelist’s silly method! With that he began to keep tally of everyone he helped to enter in the wicket gate. Surely I’ll outdo that evangelist. I wonder how many he has on his tally.